Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 3.1
Principles of governance for greater justice in cities: selected examples
Oppressions to be
removed
(propositions of
governance)
Equality of:
Four pillars of
'good city'
Key themes
No access to political
power
Opportunity for participation
in public decision—making
A. Political partici-
pation and influence
No exploitation of
labour
Opportunity for productive,
freely—chosen livelihood.
Access to economic resources
(incl. right to inheritance, land/
property ownership, credit,
natural resources and appropri-
ate technologies)
Wages
B. NEEDS
(i) Employment and
returns
(ii) Personal rights
Opportunity for personal
spiritual, religious. cultural and
social development
(iii) Social & cul-
tural development
Elimination of mar-
ginalization of social
groups
Removal of cultural
imperialism
Safety
(iv) Safety and
protection
Humane forms of
social control
Health Care
(v) Health
Social welfare
(vi) Welfare
(vii) Food and water
Mitigation of adverse
ecological effects
Rights and obligations with
regard to the use and conser-
vation of natural and cultural
resources
C.
ENVIRONMENT
(I. Young
1990
; D.
Harvey 2002)
(Habitat international
coalition)
(Friedman
2000
)
granted to urban residents if the problems of the urban underprivileged were to be
removed. Although expressed in different words and ways there are similarities
with Table
3.1
and also capability ideas. However the Alliance statement has a lon-
ger and more specific set of principles. Many will be accepted by those with liberal
views who are concerned about injustice in the city. But others are far more radical,
such as principles 1, 2 and 9 that call for: rights to land and housing that are free
from market speculation; permanent public ownership of urban territories for public
use; and the right of community control and decision-making over the planning and
governance of cities; Many of these principles conflict with aspects of the current
capitalist system and the legal rights or practices of most urban governments. So
perhaps it is not surprising that not all of the radical principles shown in Table
3.2
